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The Presidential Inauguration is a commemoration of the democratic values we hold dear in this country. The 10-day inaugural period runs January 15-24, 2013, with several festivities held celebrating this long-established tradition. The most important events include the Presidential Swearing In Ceremony, Inaugural Address, Inaugural Parade, and finally a night of Inaugural Balls and parties honoring the President of the United States.

The next Presidential Inauguration will take place on Monday, January 21, 2013, which coincides with another annual tribute and federal holiday, Martin Luther King, Jr's Birthday. Since January 20th falls on a Sunday, a private ceremony will be held on this date prior to the public event. For more information, see our Inauguration FAQ.

Presidential Inauguration

News and Information

Inauguration Day Activities

The Inauguration of President Barack Obama's second term in office is expected to bring record crowds to the United States Capitol in Washington, DC, during the Inaugural period and on the day of the Inauguration itself, January 21st. In addition to watching the Swearing-in of the President and Vice-President, there will be plenty of opportunities throughout the day to celebrate the new presidency, and the spirit of America.
For those staying the weekend, there will be several types of festivities to celebrate the continuation of Obama's administration.

Saturday, January 19th

Continuing with a tradition started in 2009, President Obama is launching his inaugural festivities with a National Day of Service on Saturday, January 19. He's asking all citizens to spend this day doing service work in local communities across the country. Participants can volunteer with a local organization, host a community service project, or partner with the Presidential Inaugural Committee on an event in the area. To pledge your involvement, and to get more information about service events around the country, visit www.2013pic.org.

In the evening of January 19, Michelle Obama and Jill Biden will host an inaugural concert for children whose parents are serving in the armed forces. The First Lady has focused on military families throughout the President's first term, so this event continues to honor them and the sacrifies they make for our country. The children's concert will take place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.

Sunday, January 20th

January 20th is traditionally the day of the official Inauguration, but since it falls on a Sunday in 2013, a private official swearing-in event will be held on this date prior to the public ceremonial event. Some information has also been released about a candlelight ball being held on the evening of January 20, which the Obamas would attend, but details for this event are still TBA.

Monday, January 21st: the main event

- Swearing-In Ceremony

The Swearing-In Ceremony will take place in the West Front of the Capitol at exactly 12 noon. Both the President and the Vice President will be sworn into office at this time, with their families by their side. Tickets are required for the Swearing-In Ceremony, but large screens will be set up along the National Mall for gatherers to watch the historical moment.
Following the swearing-in, President Obama will give his inaugural address, sharing his vision and plan for the next four years with all of America.

- Inaugural Luncheon

Directly after taking the oath of office, Obama and Biden will attend the Inaugural Luncheon in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall. Only Elected Officials and Dignitaries will be permitted to attend this luncheon.

- Presidential Inauguration Parade

Following the luncheon, Obama and Biden will head back to the streets of Washington, DC in the Inaugural Parade. No specific time has been announced for the event to begin – it will kick off in the early afternoon. Tickets are required for specific bleacher sections of this event; the public will not be permitted to line up along the route prior to 7 a.m.
The Parade is coordinated by the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee, which includes all branches of the U.S. armed forces. Musical units, marching bands, color guards, salute batteries and honor cordons are all provided for the parade by various branches of our country’s defense.

- Inaugural Balls

Following the parade, Washington Society comes out in full force for inaugural balls throughout the Washington, DC area. Tickets are required for these events, and they are available on GreatSeats.com!